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Connecting With Fellow Stroke Survivors
Emerging From the Dark is a collection of inspirational stories and interviews from stroke survivors and their caregivers, including your own journey and moving illustrations. Why was this such an important book for you to write?
When I was writing my first book, A Cry in the Dark, it was coming from a place of anger and needing to express what I was going through. I never thought I would continue writing, but the warm reception the book received brought many new people into my life. I found myself connecting with fellow stroke survivors and caregivers in the community – each with their unique stories, struggles, and triumphs. Their stories resonated with me and fuelled my motivation to continue writing. It was no longer just a continuation of my own story, I wanted to pay tribute to the strength and determination of those who have also faced the challenges of stroke.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
While many might assume that writing these stories would be the most challenging part, the true test of my determination was in crafting the illustrations with my hand affected by the stroke. Initially, I thought about getting a professional illustrator to make the pages look beautiful. I wanted the book to be really attractive to readers, with carefully handwritten words and captivating artwork. But then I went back to what my doctor said, as well as how my hand drawn illustrations made the first book special, and decided to take on the challenge again. Making those illustrations turned into a daily test of my patience, but when it was all done, I felt really accomplished by what I had achieved.
Can you tell us a little about the unique illustrations featured throughout your book?
These illustrations are like snapshots of my emotions and represent how I feel on different days. They’re messy and sometimes don’t make a lot of sense, but I don’t think they’re unique to me alone. Everyone goes through similar emotions in their lives. Whether it’s happiness, sadness, uncertainty or strength, we all experience these at different times. I suspect that readers also found something special in the imperfections, in seeing words and pictures that were the honest product of someone on the path to recovery after stroke. It was definitely a very personal experience for me to portray my thoughts that way.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently in the process of finishing my next book, Strength in Motion: Dancing through Stroke Recovery and hope to release it at the end of the year. This book incorporates expert insights with my ongoing journey, and it’s about the essential role that exercise plays in stroke rehabilitation. Through the many lessons I’ve learnt, I hope to empower stroke survivors to become proactive participants on their own recovery journeys, as well as initiate conversations on how we can better support those affected by stroke.
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Emerging From the Dark: Stroke…The Untold Stories is an unusual book on several counts. Its format is full of artistic creation vastly different from a typical book. Splashed on practically every page are unique, diverse illustrations from the author, and the typeface of text varies a number of times, sometimes simply etched out in pen by the author.
While some pages have complete narratives, others provide isolated thoughts and “free form” ideas to advance the impact. The subjects are not professional authors, so their comments might appear raw but indeed very real. Even Ang himself sprinkles thoughts and emotions generously throughout the interviews, helping to frame the situations and their accompanying confusion.
It’s hard to imagine what the subjects have gone through. Ang’s work truly brings out their fears and frustrations. But it also conveys a sense of purpose to recalibrate lives, be productive, fit in and find inner peace.
So many people remain in the dark about this all-too-common medical condition. Ang hopes his work can serve as a powerful tool for emotional recovery and inspiration for readers as well as the book’s fellow contributors. “Through this book,” says Ang, “we hope to make a difference — so people can see that no one needs to be alone in their struggles to navigate everyday life after experiencing a stroke. Strokes impact countless lives, taking cherished ones from us. My mission is to stress readiness for life’s challenges and the resilience to surmount them. This book embodies that message, hoping to reach everyone with its key lesson.”
Emerging from the Dark, has garnered a plethora of esteemed awards, including the illustrious Firebird Book Award for 2023, a top honor in the Non-Fiction category at the Hollywood Book Festival, and a coveted prize in the Short Stories category of the Global Book Awards. In addition to these accolades, the work has been named as a finalist for an array of distinguished recognitions, such as the Book of the Year Awards in the True Story category, the Global Book Awards for Non-Fiction, the Paris Book Festival in the Biography/Autobiography section, and the transformational memoirs category at the BookFest Book Awards.
Emerging From the Dark: Stroke…The Untold Stories
In Emerging from the Dark: Stroke…The Untold Stories, by Terence Ang, the author shares inspiring stories from both stroke survivors and their caregivers. Included is his own journey. A stroke can have long-lasting and damaging effects on the body, but it is not a death sentence. There is hope for survivors, and through uplifting books like this, they will know they are not alone, and their experiences aren’t unusual.
Having a stroke is a life-altering experience. To some people, it means not being able to do the things they love anymore or not working and depending on others to do basic things for them. Anyone can suffer from a stroke, although some factors can increase the likelihood of one occurring. Surviving a stroke is something to be celebrated. Sadly, some survivors feel ashamed of their situation. Terence Ang aims to change this mindset through his own success story and those of others shared in his book.
Many of Ang’s stories in the book demonstrate incredible levels of growth. This is such an important aspect for readers looking for hope. I can relate to many of the stories shared in Ang’s book, as I’ve seen firsthand what life after a stroke is like. I commend the caregivers who ensure things go as smoothly as possible for their patients and loved ones.
For people who care for stroke patients, Emerging from the Dark: Stroke…The Untold Stories, by Terence Ang, will enlighten them on the challenges and needs of their loved ones and give them an valuable insight into how dramatically their lives have changed. Both the moving personal stories and the striking illustrations will have readers spellbound. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to better understand life post-stroke or any family member striving to care for someone adjusting to a second chance a life.
Pages: 196 | ASIN : B0CHPJ92Q7
Messed Up Like You
Immersing oneself in the triumphant narrative of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges is indeed an uplifting experience. Rick Culleton, in his extraordinary journey as an airman, shatters all preconceived notions of failure and triumph. What one might perceive as an immediate disqualification in his pursuit to be a pilot, a fear of heights, did not deter Culleton from achieving his pilot’s license. His ensuing success as a business tycoon emerged against a backdrop of battling an attention disorder, crippling anxiety, and consistent ridicule. Despite a lack of athletic prowess, a short stint in prison at seventeen, and financial instability during his early ventures in the used car industry in Texas, his resilient spirit prevailed.
Messed Up Like You unfurls Culleton’s captivating narrative, seamlessly weaving anecdotes from his flight school days and entrepreneurial journey. This inspiring tapestry serves as an impetus, urging readers to strive towards self-improvement and proactivity. It is an invitation to introspection, a prod towards reconceptualizing one’s perceived boundaries. The book eloquently presents an array of compelling theories, truths, and concepts that find resonance in both personal and professional arenas, eliciting numerous revelations.
The text is a treasure trove of profound insights ranging from embracing open-mindedness and independent thought to the merits of self-acceptance and adjustment to reality. It fosters the courage to heal from past afflictions and to endure challenges with fortitude. The essence of Rick’s story, however, lies in its call to self-acceptance, despite the gamut of internal and external criticisms.
The initial chapter seeks to forge a connection with the reader, many of whom may feel isolated in their unique struggles. It aims to assuage these feelings of solitude, coaxing the reader into a companionship that promises shared experiences. While the concepts presented may not be novel, the book serves as a poignant reminder of these often overlooked truths. It urges against premature judgments and implores readers to appreciate life’s turbulences rather than hastily seeking an escape. In a world where the desire to evade triggers can be overpowering, this book stands as a testament to why safety doesn’t always equate to growth.
Messed Up Like You: How ADHD and anxiety didn’t stop me from becoming a successful entrepreneur offers an enjoyable journey, delivering timeless wisdom encapsulated in straightforward language and digestible paragraphs. The benefits of engaging with the wisdom in this book extend beyond the self, permeating the reader’s surrounding environment. The book is indeed a rewarding and enriching read, packed with nuggets of wisdom that reverberate with relatability and applicability.
Pages: 148 | ASIN : B0C3ZHKH6H
The Life Is Too Short Guy
The Life Is Too Short Guy by Scott White will show you how to change your outlook on life and make conscious decisions that enhance your attitude and experiences. This book is based on the various lessons Scott picked up in different life situations while consistently maintaining the perspective that life is short, which is referenced throughout the book.
The author does an incredible job of sharing genuinely inspiring and astounding transformational events of the individuals interviewed for the book. It’s a great read that helps readers learn how to choose their attitude and own it, how to be more deliberate with how they use their limited time, the value of humor in life, and how to embrace life.
When you prepare the read this book, clear your plans and dive in – you’ll be hooked from the first page. Scott White includes a wealth of thought-provoking anecdotes and exceptional occurrences that taught the author to cherish life more than ever. I couldn’t get enough of his valuable perspectives and insights, cleverly selected from motivational accounts of other people with life-changing experiences. Despite harrowing accounts and difficult realities, the stories in this book offer an empowering, motivational approach to taking greater control of life.
The Life Is Too Short Guy by Scott White is a profound, practical book that offers insightful quotations, research data, and a helpful appendix. I have found significant, doable concepts in the book which have contributed to my life and perspective. It’s a solid 5-star book, and I found the captivating stories and razor-sharp insights will help anybody who is feeling trapped in life and weary of their daily routines. It’s a great read that I highly recommend to everyone!
ASIN B0BR1MQVSH | Pages: 183
10 Steps to Help You Get on with Your Life
Life is a series of peaks and pits. One day you are down, the next you are up. But then amidst those who leave you and those who love you is life’s interesting journey. Often, when something happens to break us, we have no idea where to start. We want to curl up in a ball and protect ourselves from the world. This book is a step-by-step guide not just for getting through the difficult parts but coming out on the other side stronger and with more wisdom. It is a roadmap to finding God and holding on to God’s grace when you need it most.
Author Mary Dunbar is very realistic about the human condition. She knows that human beings are prone to being angry with God when things start to go bad. She urges the reader to remain steadfast in prayer and frequently consult the word. She is not condescending and is fully understanding on everything life can take you through.
The author also recognizes that prayer may not be enough. She advises on the importance of watching who you relate with. Some people are only meant to be in your life momentarily. Through God’s grace, you can realize that. She also advises readers to do something to accompany the prayers. If you want to get out of the hole, you can pray to get a ladder but you would have to climb out yourself.
The author has created a brief yet insightful and incredibly useful set of lifehacks. Rarely do people mix prayer and proactivity when giving advice. Hers is a full dimensional tutorial on how to overcome the various obstacles that life presents. This inspiring self-help book is written in very simple language that anyone can understand. Her writing is conversational. The author is seeking to help people who often find themselves having trouble moving on from hurt and disappointments.
10 Steps to Help You Get on with Your Life by Mary Dunbar is a motivational and thought-provoking book that is different from the average self-help book. The information is broken up by poems that are entertaining and expressive, providing a well-deserved pause from material that is deeply affective to anyone who reads it. Do not wait for the storm to buy an umbrella. Get your umbrella now and keep it ready for the rainy season. Read this book and pass it along. Share it with someone, let them learn how to overcome too.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B08XVM11KM
LITERARY TITAN 